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With its in-house laboratory, EcoSci can
analyse different wastes, to ascertain the suitability of the
organic element for composting and, where appropriate, recommend
both types and quantities of amendment material to add to the
mix.
Both feedstock materials and the resulting compost are analysed
in-house for
quality control purposes on a regular basis. |
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Municipal Waste and Sewage Sludge
During a four year project, partly funded by the DTI, EcoSci co-composted municipal
waste with sewage sludge to produce a nutrient rich soil improver. Growth trials
with forage maize were carried out in conjunction with Seale Hayne Agricultural
College. Yields achieved were equivalent to, or greater than, those obtained
with standard fertiliser applications. Furthermore, the slow release nature of
the nutrient ensured that there were significant beneficial effects in subsequent
years. |
On-site soil sampling for laboratory analysis |
Growth Trials – Hungary
Trials with compost produced by EcoSci were carried out in conjunction with the
Bay-Zoltan Institute in Szeged, part funded through an EUREKA programme, in order
to demonstrate the beneficial effects that could be gained through applying compost
to large areas of the Hungarian Plain, which had been denuded through over-production.
Trials indicated that growth was substantially enhanced, and higher yields achieved,
through enriching the organic element of the soil with compost. |
Results illustrating disease suppression properties of
compost in strawberries |
Disease Suppression
EcoSci has investigated the potential for using compost as a means of suppressing
common plant diseases. Working in conjunction with the Plant Sciences Department
of Exeter University, largely funded through SMART awards, it was demonstrated
through a series of trials that the application of substantial amounts of compost
significantly inhibited a range of common plant diseases caused by soil-borne
pathogens. Further work has been carried out to investigate the potential for
sprays derived from compost to combat foliar disease. Beneficial effects were
demonstrated, although these were more difficult to quantify. |
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DIAGNOSTICS
Preliminary work has been carried out to develop
a means of testing for the presence of major plant diseases
in soil
or compost, and also to identify those micro-organisms in
compost that inhibit disease.
ODOURS
Work has been carried out adding different chemicals
to wastes, both to inhibit the production of odours and enhance
the composting process. Work has also been undertaken with
various sprays, in order to mask the effect of odours during
composting.
BIO-REMEDIATION
Trials carried out for the Environment Agency
indicated that compost served as an excellent carrier for
micro-organisms
that break down hydrocarbons, making it possible to remediate
contaminated soils through composting. The population of
these micro-organisms can be greatly enhanced by adding waste
oil during the composting process.
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